Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park

Be advised, to encourage social distancing and help stop the spread of COVID-19, many parks have reduced parking by 50% and local roads may have closures in effect. Many popular parks will fill to capacity by noon and close early to incoming visitors and traffic. Closures will be posted here and on our homepage. For real-time traffic updates visit: https://www.511ny.org/#:Alerts

In late 1936 as she was contemplating the transfer of what was then called "Westbrook" to the Long Island State Park Commission, Olivia James wrote of the two purposes she and her mother envisioned for what is today, Bayard Cutting Arboretum, named for her father William Bayard Cutting.

"These purposes are:

(1) That Westbrook shall be an oasis of beauty and of quiet, and that it shall be a source of pleasure, rest and refreshment to those who delight in outdoor beauty.

(2) That it shall serve to bring about a greater appreciation and understanding, on the part of both the general public and of those professionally concerned with landscape design of the value and importance of informal planting, and shall thus be an influence in preserving the amenities of our native landscape."

With 691 acres situated on the picturesque Connetquot River, Bayard Cutting Arboretum fulfills Ms. James' wishes in fine style. Visitors can learn about the value and appearance of planned, but informal plantings on a country estate. Or they can merely enjoy the serenity of a walk among the trees of the pinetum or among the rhododendrons. Most trees are labeled so that visitors can learn how they might appear in their landscape at home. The Bayard Cutting Horticultural Club offers programs that add to the educational value of the place. http://www.bcahortsociety.org/

The estate mansion is maintained in its original style with furnishings typical of the estate era. Guided tours of the mansion are available seasonally. A café on the first floor offers light luncheon with a stunning view over the great lawn of the Connetquot River. Formal teas are offered and can be arranged by reservation. Historical retrospective photo exhibits in the mansion show that Westbrook was once a well known dairy farm producing glass-bottled milk for sale in local markets. One of the original barns remains in the farm area of the arboretum.

It's a wonderful place to relax, read a book, and experience the peace and serenity of estate living in the 1920s and '30s.

Please note: A permit is required for all posed photography at Bayard Cutting Arboretum. This includes wedding photography, family photos, engagement photos and all other posed photography. The fee is $100 for an hour and a half session during open park hours. The permit must be obtained prior to the event date. Please contact the park for further information regarding photography permits at (631) 581-1002.

Tours are given at 1pm. Advanced registration is recommended (631-581-1002). Same day registration is accepted on a first-come first-served basis (15 person limit).

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information.
Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the twenty-fourth annual Yuletide Celebration at Bayard Cutting Arboretum. Join us in a sing-a-long of traditional holiday carols while awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. Upon his arrival, Santa will light the tree for the 2020 holiday season. Hot beverages will be served outside after Santa lights the tree. All activities will take place outside so dress accordingly. The Manor House will not be open. In the spirit of giving, please bring canned goods or a new, unwrapped toy for those in need in our community.